- Report: #100418
Complaint Review: All Gift Shops In El Salavdor Int Airport - San Salvador International Airport Other
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All Gift Shops In El Salavdor Int Airport
El Salavdor Int Airport San Salvador International Airport, NA Other, El Salvador
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All Gift Shops In El Salavdor Int Airport Duty Free Cigarettes Scam causes seizure by US customs San Salvador International Airport
When my parents and I were returning to the states after a wonderful week in El Salvador with the CFCA Organization, I decided to purchase cigarettes to take back with me. I purchased 1000 smokes (5 Cartons) from a duty free shop in the airport. The cost was the cigs was $54.00. This shop was right across from gate five. All shops sell them. I have purchased duty free item an flights before and never had a problem.
When return through US customs the smoke were confiscated. I had to sign a wavier and it was a hassle since I almost missed my connecting flight by 10 minutes. I was held up in Customs and Immigrations for about an hour.
The officer showed me the small print on the side of the box that read "not for use outside of the country" This was after the officer removed the slick cardboard holder that had hidden the text. All of the cigarettes for sale had these cardboard wrappers on them that hid the text.
What really burns me is that the women selling the items asked for my passport and entered my passport control number. She new that we were heading back to the States. Well now I learned my lesson. I was informed that I could cancel the transaction by Customs if I used my credit card, but I paid cash.
I will contact the airport and the vender, but I fell that is as useful as pissing up a twirling rope. Any suggestions on this issue would be appreciated.
Sean
van nuys, California
U.S.A.
When return through US customs the smoke were confiscated. I had to sign a wavier and it was a hassle since I almost missed my connecting flight by 10 minutes. I was held up in Customs and Immigrations for about an hour.
The officer showed me the small print on the side of the box that read "not for use outside of the country" This was after the officer removed the slick cardboard holder that had hidden the text. All of the cigarettes for sale had these cardboard wrappers on them that hid the text.
What really burns me is that the women selling the items asked for my passport and entered my passport control number. She new that we were heading back to the States. Well now I learned my lesson. I was informed that I could cancel the transaction by Customs if I used my credit card, but I paid cash.
I will contact the airport and the vender, but I fell that is as useful as pissing up a twirling rope. Any suggestions on this issue would be appreciated.
Sean
van nuys, California
U.S.A.
2 Updates & Rebuttals
Juan De Dios
Kenner,Louisiana,
U.S.A.
Response toJesse in relation to duty free stores in El Salvador
#2Consumer Comment
Sun, September 03, 2006
Thanks God Jesse is not a Salvadorean any more, because with salvadoreans like you, what do we need communists for. I am terribly sorry for the Gentleman that was not provided with the appropriate information about the cigarretes not intended to be used in the USA. That restriction is due to the Health Restrictions stablished by the General Surgeon. But my ex-salvadorean friend Jesse has not have enough time to learn english, for him to understand that the problem with customs was not in El Salvador, where he has not been in the last 20 years. The problem for our friends was when they arrived in the USA at California. My country is very small, which allows us to be always warm and friendly. Our customs officials are friendly and professional. The incident discribed sounds like one employee did not realized the gentleman was traveling to the USA, that was her mistake and I hope the owner (Don H) fired her for not being detailed oriented. Sorry for the following: Mi querido ex-compatriota, su dolor contra su familia no le da derecho a difamar nuestro pais. La decision de irse ha sido suya, nadie le dijo que se fuera. No desprestigie al pais que lo vio nacer y que primero Dios no lo vera morir. Thank you very much to the great people who always visit our country to make it every day even better.
Jesse
Panorama City,California,
U.S.A.
Sean aword of advice from the wise
#3Consumer Suggestion
Mon, April 25, 2005
Take it from a former Salavdoran, Just dont ever go to that hell hole. Ive had so many bad experinces with the customs agents there, that I just dont ever go. They think that by them doing this, it cause them to looka all mighty and greatfull and they even laugh at your face thinking they ripped you off. But they dont see the scar that they are causing to them selfs. We stabalized thei economy in the 90's so they tought they made it them selfs but they dont know what they have done by hurting turism. The hell just dont go there, instead go to Guatemala or Mexico. Take it from me I used to go to El Salvador and pay when leaving liek they usually do. But after getting ripped off by my OWN family (CALIDONIO or CALEDONIO)I have decided not to visit the country or them. I have found out that it is of their nature to scamm people all of them all salvadorians alike in the country of EL SALVADOR. I am happy to see that people that left that place have made a better name for it. If you ever want to visit a place like EL SALVADOR got to florida, Miami you will have fun there. And if you enjoy a good cigar I invite you to go to Tijuana and buy a Cuban cigar. I, much like you live in Van Nuys, Ca. If you feel sore about the the 5 boxes of ciggarettes I will be vary happy to get you 5 more from EL SALVADOR. It is good to see to see Salavadorians speaking of how that country has gonne to hell. Jesse.
